Life in the Iron Mills

Life in the Iron Mills, the title in itself is more of an oxymoron than an introduction to the story. The soot covered, bleak setting presents no signs of life at all. The stifling, constricting atmosphere entraps all of its occupants. “Here inside, is the little broken figure of an angle pointing upward from the mantle-shelf; but even its wings are covered with smoke, clotted and black.” (page 12). Not even an angle, a symbol of hope, can escape and is instead trapped by the debilitating smoke surrounding the iron mills.
Hugh demonstrates his view of what life is through his sculpture of the woman who is “hungry.” When questioned as to what the woman is hungry for, Hugh replies, “Summat to make her live, I think,-like you.” (page 33). He believes that the wealth of men like Kirby defines life. However, it is ironic that stealing the money, which in his eyes leads to life, causes his ultimate demise in jail. Even Kirby and the rich lack the compassion of life. Therefore, where is the life in the iron mills? It is not in poverty nor is it in prosperity. It is not at the height of status nor is it at the depths. Life simply does not exist in the iron mills. Death and hopelessness coat every aspect of the mills just like its stifling, black smoke.